ABANDONED. Short Story, Young Bookworm Protagonist Repeatedly Rejected by Girls

[Meiso]

The work in question is not a book but a short story I read in high school around 1996. I believe the story was at least a decade old (or possibly much older) at this point

I do not remember much else about the story except that the main character was an adolescent/young man that had trouble in a relationship or with multiple relationships. He faced rejection each time. He loved to read and possessed many books. At first it seemed he just had back luck with girls.


***SPOILER*** (sort of)



At the end of the story, the (one of the?) girls finally rejects him for good. It seems that the character is actually relieved by this, and he is happier being alone with his books.

That aspect of the story stuck with me, but as for other details, they've been forgotten.

I would appreciate any help!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

(Duplicate thread deleted.)

Meiso, are you still looking for this short story or did you find it?

Did you read it in an anthology with other stories? With a collection all by the same author? In a magazine or some other place?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Lobstergirl wrote: "(Duplicate thread deleted.)

Meiso, are you still looking for this short story or did you find it?"

No response in 3 years. Moving to Abandoned.